When it comes to co-parenting, some people make it look easy while others struggle with every last detail.
Although this may not come easy to you and your ex-spouse, there are things you can do to clear the air to help avoid additional problems and tension in the future. Here are some top tips:
- Keep an open line of communication. You don’t have to talk about your personal life, but you will need to discuss many aspects of your child’s life on a regular basis. This is why you need to keep an open line of communication, whether it is phone calls, email, texting or another form.
- Be positive at all times. There is never a good time to disparage your ex-spouse. Just the same, you shouldn’t belittle this person to your child or children.
- Keep consistent rules. Both parents need to have the same set of rules for the child. Routine and structure is important, so you need to be on the same page.
- Be aware of the challenges. Even if co-parenting appears simple up front, there are many challenges that await. You must be ready for anything that comes your way.
- Take a step back if you become upset. It’s never a good idea to have a conversation with your ex-spouse when you are upset about something. Take a breather and revisit the conversation once you calm down. You’ll be glad that you did.
- Be willing to adapt. What works today may not work tomorrow. And what works tomorrow may not work a year from now. Both parents need to work together to adapt for the benefit of the child.
These are just a few of the many things you can do to succeed with co-parenting.
If you’re having any trouble, such as a parent who will not let you visit with your child, you may need to consider your legal rights. It’s not something you want to do, but it’ll be in the best interest of your child – and there is nothing more important than that.